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Start Your Holiday Shopping Now: Gifts Made In West Virginia Are Perfect for Everyone

| November 23, 2012

The holiday shopping season has arrived, and the next few weeks are all about finding gifts for everyone on your list. No matter how long or short your list may be, finding the right gift can sometimes be tough. We’ve got the solution for you, though. Give gifts made right here in West Virginia.

Grandma’s House in Hinton, West Virginia

This state is full of talented folks who create special, unique products. What could make a better holiday gift than a handcrafted West Virginia made item? Here are some items to look for.

Pottery
Pottery can be a very special gift. Each piece of handmade pottery is unique in its own way; no two pieces will ever be identical. Mugs, bowls, plates, vases and so many other creative pieces can be found at shops throughout the local area. Gauley River Pottery in Lookout is one place to find great pottery pieces and supplies.

Jewelry
Jewelry is another item that makes a great gift. Handmade necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings can bring great joy to that special someone when they realize you got them a unique, one-of-a kind piece. Harmony Ridge Gallery in Lewisburg has a great collection of handmade jewelry as well as many other handcrafted offerings.

Other WV gifts
There are so many great local craftspeople creating items that would make wonderful gifts. From hand-blown glass and paintings to homemade food products and sculptures, local artisans pour their creativity and skill into these gifts. Check out our shopping page for a list of places to find great WV gifts.

Tamarack

Gauley River Pottery

This is your can’t-miss holiday shopping spot in southern West Virginia. All of the artisans that sell at Tamarack have been specially selected, so you know you’re getting some of the best of West Virginia. This place literally houses thousands of hand made items, from specialty foods to hand blown glass. You’ll find an amazing assortment of art, ceramics, textiles, ironwork, books, music, and more. Plan to spend a couple of hours browsing here, and have lunch at the on-site café.

Are you shopping for locally-made gifts on Small Business Saturday? What WV made item would you suggest to a visitor? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

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Introducing the Visit Southern West Virginia Mobile App

| September 11, 2012

It’s here. And your vacation is about to get even better.

We know that you use your mobile phone to plan your vacation and that it plays a big role in your vacation when it starts.

That’s why we created a new mobile application, designed to help you have an amazing vacation that you can share with friends and family back home. West Virginia itineraries, attractions, shopping, dining, events, and more are right at your fingertips.

Use your smartphone to explore southern West Virginia

How It Works 

The app is centered around vacation itineraries that highlight different parts of southern West Virginia. You’ll use the mobile application to find the itinerary that interests you. From there, you’ll get information and directions for each itinerary stop.

And if you’re near a point of interest that isn’t on your current itinerary, you’ll get a notification from the app letting you know that you’re close to another special stop. It’s up to you if you stick to your itinerary or hop off to check out another unique place in West Virginia.

You can easily share vacation updates on your social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter.

Traveling with a large group? The app has a feature called Friend Finder that allows you to locate the people in your party at any time.

You’ll also have quick access to information about area events, local hospitals and emergency services, and other helpful info.

Where Do I Get It?

Download the app to your iPhone or Android smartphone. If you’re an iPhone user, visit the App Store and search for Southern West Virginia. If you use an Android device, visit Google Play and search for Southern West Virginia. Or, just visit the Visit Southern West Virginia website on your mobile device, and the download button will be near the middle of the page.

Have questions? Learn more by watching a quick video about the application.

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Visiting West Virginia in August? Make the State Fair Part of Your Vacation

| July 24, 2012

If your vacation brings you to West Virginia in mid-August, you’ll find another great event that showcases the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. The West Virginia State Fair is almost here, and it should be on your must-do list.

Staged August 10-18 at the fairgrounds in Fairlea in Greenbrier County, the West Virginia State Fair is full of fun and entertainment for the entire family. Here is why the fair is a great way to spend the day.

West Virginia State Fair

WV Traditions

West Virginia is, even to this day, largely a rural state. A lot of the traditions of the small family farm are still practiced today, and the Fair allows these folks to showcase their skills. Livestock exhibits are a huge part of the fair and the exhibition can mean new business for many of the farmers that attend. Throughout the Fair, there are different livestock shows for many different categories.

Many schools in the state still have WV 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, which encourage participation in the various events that the Fair offers.

In addition to livestock, there are plenty of other exhibits in which kids can participate, including gardening and arts and crafts. Also, be sure to check out:

  • Draft Horse – Horse pulls and Halter, Hitch, and Farm Shows that feature draft horses.
  • Harness Racing – A traditional event that is a fan favorite.
  • Horse Shows
  • Flowers, Foods, and Needlework – There are junior and senior displays and competitions in these categories.
  • Agricultural Produce and Fine Arts and Crafts – There are junior and senior displays and competitions in these categories.
  • Great Lakes Timber Show – This popular show features chainsaw carving, ax throwing, logrolling, and more.
  • Cooks Corner Cooking Demos – Learn cooking basics or perfect your skills.

These are just a few of the exhibits you can see at the fair. Check out the daily calendar of events for more info.

What Else?

There are many other activities that will be going on throughout the week. The Zerbini’s Family Circus will perform multiple shows daily.  And there will be many different musical groups providing entertainment all week long. A clogging group, The Appalachian Hoedown Cloggers will perform traditional dances. There is also the Flying Houndz Frisbee Trick Dog Show, a motocross show, a bull riding competition, and more.

Trace Adkins performs on August 10

And don’t miss the big time musicians that will be performing in the grandstand in the evenings:

  • Trace Adkins
  • Gaither Vocal Band
  • Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
  • Justin Moore
  • Brantley Gilbert
  • Newsboys and Building 429
  • Kip Moore
  • Victoria Justice

All of these shows have admission fees in addition to the Fair admission charge. Be sure to check availability of tickets before you go.

The WV State Fair is a wonderful week of family fun and entertainment. And we haven’t even mentioned all the amusement rides, carnival games, and food that is part of the fair. Yes, many people go to the Fair just for the food. Be sure to grab one of the giant cinnamon rolls.

If your vacation plans have you in the Mountain State August 10-18, a visit to our showcase of West Virginia’s heritage and traditions should be on your agenda. Visit the West Virginia State Fair.

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These small town murals are awesome. Looks like you could drive right into this one. This is just one of the incredible art works found in Welch, WV. #visitwv

| June 13, 2012

These small town murals are awesome. Looks like you could drive right into this one. This is just one of the incredible art works found in Welch, WV. #visitwv

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Your Guide to Memorial Day in Southern West Virginia

| May 23, 2012

The three-day Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer, and no place rocks the start of the season like southern West Virginia. If you’re still unsure about how you are going to spend your Memorial Weekend, look no further.

Picnic It Up

Spending the day outside with family and friends is a Memorial Day tradition. Here are a few spots that are great for spending the day picnicking.

Grandview – There are plenty of tables or spots to set up your picnic. Overlooks, hiking trails, and places for kids to play make it good for groups of all ages.

Babcock State Park – With a trout stream and a lake in this state park, fishing is just one of the activities that you can make part of your picnic day.

Dunglen – The day use area at the Park Service property in Thurmond has a shelter and volleyball court. You can hike or bike the Southside Junction Trail from here or go across the river and check out the town of Thurmond and the train depot.

Pipestem State Park – A tram down to the Bluestone River, horseback riding, and all the other great outdoor activities make this a super spot to spend the day (or the entire weekend).

Events and Adventures

In addition to traditional southern West Virginia adventures (whitewater rafting, biking, hiking, zip lining, and rock climbing) there are some fairly new attractions to check out. Visit Bridge Walk, Timbertrek, and Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Parkwhile you’re here for something a little different.

Photo courtesy WVNS

Carnival Fun at the Mountain Festival

And there are also a few special events taking place during Memorial Day Weekend.

Parrot Palooza/Beckley Live United Street Festival – 3 days of fun, May 25-27, including a street festival with lots of live music, a cornhole tournament, a poker run and a hot dog eating contest.

Memorial Day Package at Glade Springs – Stay 2 nights between 24th and 28th and receive a 3rd night free. Activities include a 70′s themed pool party with dinner and live entertainment, Manicure and Martini night at Spa Orange, a cornhole tournament and special activities at Bunkers.

Mountain Festival - Held every Memorial Day in Bluefield, this multi-day event for the whole family features a carnival, games, food, crafts, animals music and more. It runs from the 22nd through the 28th at the City Park in Bluefield.

Dandelion Festival - May 24 – 28. Explore the culture and heritage of White Sulphur Springs with this festival featuring dandelion wine tastings, arts and crafts, cultural exhibits and live entertainment.

What are you doing this weekend in southern West Virginia?

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Start Filling Out That New Calendar

| January 25, 2011

January marks the chance to sport a new calendar on the wall and start filling in some fun weekend events among all your other work and family commitments.

As you turn the page into January, February, and March, why not add in some fun

Tamarack Artisan Center

events alongside noting Grandma’s Birthday and your next work trip?  While you might not naturally associate arts and culture with southern West Virginia, maybe you should.  The artisans and creative class working among our mountains have plenty of inspiration all around them and are bringing some great events to you right here in Southern West Virginia.

In Raleigh County, the first few months of 2011 bring a chance to experience the life of prized writer Emily Dickinson or combine dinner and theatre at Tamarack, the state’s iconic arts and cultural center.

Over in Greenbrier County, you can celebrate your folk roots with the most awarded band in the history of bluegrass coming up on February 11.

In Fayette County, take in a showing of  “The Pied Piper” at Historic Fayette Theatre, March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18-20th.

In Summers and Mercer, social life  just got a little more interesting with the opportunity to  spend some quality time with your sweetheart at Pipestem Resort State Park.  Anytime is a good time to get away with the one you love but special sweetheart events are planned for Feb 11-13 including entertainment by  ‘Time Peace’ from Craigsville, WV during the Sweetheart Dance on Saturday night.

This is just a few of the events happening in 2011.  So what are you waiting for check out the 2011 Southern West Virginia Events Calendar and start saving the date(s)!

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Sledding Down Mountains ( Just Like Calvin & Hobbes)

| January 20, 2011

Sledding Down Mountains

( Just Like Calvin & Hobbes)

Some of the greatest memories ever made included the simplest of items.  Cookie dough and your kids, a huge roll of paper and some paints, or even a few inner-tubes on some freshly fallen snow.

Tubing at Winterplace Ski Resort

Those of you in the deep south know the feeling you got when you saw your first snowflake or when your kids built their first snowman.  But the time honored tradition of sledding is just as swell.  Kids of all ages (including the adult variety) can find so much joy in gliding down mountains.

If your travels take you to Southern WV this winter, be sure and take in some sledding at our top locations – Winterplace Ski Resort and Pipestem State Park.

Winterplace offers WV’s largest tubing park with two great Super Carpet lifts to whisk you back to the top of the mountain. (Now don’t you wish we had that as kids?)

Pipestem offers a little family fun as their Driving Range goes snowy.  The park’s Pro Shop offers sled and cross country ski rentals by the hour or by the day and a great hill for sledding.

What memories does sledding conjure up for you?  Snow days off from school?  Calvin and Hobbes strapped in a toboggan?  Or your last trip to WV?

When was the last time you went sledding?

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Ski Season in West Virginia

| December 27, 2010

In Southern West Virginia, there are three opening days where we all click our heels – baseball season, Gauley Season and ski season.

Combine the recent opening day at our own Winterplace Ski Resort,with the seemingly non-stop snow, and well, we’re giddy with excitement.

Skiing in West Virginia

West Virginia Ski Season

New for Winterplace this year are some exciting packages to get you out on the slopes. Everything from Learn to Ski to Stay (& Ski Free) offers are available now beginning at just $99.

Don’t ski? Remember Winterplace has the largest snow tubing park in West Virginia, complete with two Super Carpet Tubing Lifts to get you back up and running again. Tubing is also a great way to get the little ones introduced to snow sports, so long as they meet the 44 inch height requirement.

Not sure yet when you’ll make the trip? Keep up-to-date on weather conditions and specials by texting “Ski WP” to 95495.

Here’s to a great ski season! Will we see you there?

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Taking the Bah Humbug Out of the Holidays

| December 22, 2010

Taking the Bah Humbug Out of the Holidays

With the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, and planning, let’s face it, it’s tough to slow down and enjoy the holidays. So before the holidays pass you by, consider these three ways to find your holiday spirit again, here in Southern WV:

1) Enjoy the lights
Many childhood memories of piling in the car with hot chocolate to drive through the neighborhood looking at the lights. But as families got busier- the lights got dimmer or nonexistent. So why not visit one of the area light displays and “ooo and awww” like a kid again.

2) Step back in time
If you have fond memories of strolling through tree-lined streets, peering in shop windows while carols filled the air – then visit any one of our quaint towns and recreate those memories. Have a favorite memory? Share it with us on Facebook.

3) Capture a feel good moment
While it’s easy to remember Scrooge in a Christmas Carol, it’s the ending of the story that we should remember most – kindness to one and all. If you’ve lost your giving mojo why not capture it again with a live holiday performance at Greenbrier Valley Theatre?

What activity or event keeps you in the holiday spirit?

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“Southern” Style Holiday Recipes

| December 20, 2010

The calendar is filled with holiday parties and office gatherings. This year, share an appetizer and a little Holiday Cheer that celebrates your love for the Mountain State with these recipes we love:

Smooth Ambler Spirits Egg Nog Recipe

Smooth Ambler Egg Nog


6 ounces of your favorite egg nog
2 ounces Smooth Ambler’s Exceptional White Whiskey
1/2 ounce of Butterscotch Liquer
1/2 ounce Spiced Rum, dash of ground nutmeg.

Mix in a glass or shaker.

Blue Smoke Cheese Ball
2-8oz. pkg cream cheese
1-8oz. pkg shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz. (1/2 jar) Blue Smoke Salsa & Gift Baskets (any heat)

Mix all ingredients together and form into a ball. If desired, roll in pecans
(crushed or whole). Wrap in plastic wrap and chill. Serve with crackers.

Raspberry Jam Bars
2 1/4 cup flour
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
9 oz. Red Roof Farm Raspberry Jam
1 cup nuts

Mix all ingredients except preserves until crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cup of mixture and press the remaining crumbs in a 13 x 9 pan. Spread preserves to within 1/2 inch of edge of crust. Sprinkle remaining crumbs over preserves. Bake at 350° F 40-45 minutes or until golden in color.

Hot Pepper Jelly & Cream Cheese
1 cup of Chef Harv‘s Hot Pepper Jelly
3, 8-ounce block of cream cheese

Place Hot Pepper Jelly into mixer. Add cream cheese. Mix on slow speed.Increase mixer speed until mixture is smooth and creamy. Place mixture into a pastry bag. Pipe onto crackers or top off a baked potato. Store in fridge up to one week.

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